Flossing isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Although flossing is a crucial part of oral hygiene, floss can sometimes get stuck in between your teeth. This can be painful and difficult to remove. It can also be exasperating to have the floss suddenly break or snap while flossing as well. Because of these, many people do not like flossing and neglect to practice this important oral hygiene habit.

Choosing the right type of floss can help you have an easier time flossing. But dental flosses come in different types, size, and materials.

Multifilament floss

This is the most popular and commonly used type of dental floss. This fabric floss is made of silk or nylon that consists of many thin strands wound together. Also, this type of floss comes in waxed or un-waxed varieties.

Additionally, the waxed variety makes it easier for you to slide or glide the floss between your teeth. However, both waxed and un-waxed types are effective in removing debris from your teeth if used properly.

Multifilament floss is typically recommended for people who have gaps between their teeth that are not too tight.

Dental tape or puffy floss

Dental tape is a wider type of floss. It is a flat nylon ribbon which people with severe gum disease or large spaces between their teeth can safely use for flossing. Most people find dental tape easier to use because of its flat shape.

Monofilament floss

Monofilament floss is a newer type of floss which is made of rubber, plastic or polytetrafluoroethylene. This type of floss is un-waxed and is stronger than multifilament floss. Therefore, it will hold out when it is being pulled between tight teeth.

This type of floss is highly recommended for people who have small spaces between their teeth and those who always seem to have difficulties using multifilament floss without breaking it.

Floss picks

A floss or flosser pick is a cross between a toothpick and dental floss. It has a pointed plastic pick on one end and a length of floss between two plastic prongs on the other.

Flossers are useful for kids and adults with limited dexterity or small mouths. In addition, they often have difficulties fitting their fingers in their mouth or maneuvering regular floss between their teeth.

Super Floss

This type of multifilament floss has stiff ends which can be used to thread the floss between braces or other dental appliances.

According to Dental One Care, the best type of floss to choose will depend on your personal preference. If you find using dental tape easier, use this type of floss. You can also start teaching your child how to use a floss pick so that even at an early age, your little one will know the importance of flossing.

A Sterling Heights Dentist’s Guide to Flossing Teeth Properly

Brushing teeth is the most basic activity that you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy. With all the eating and drinking (and smoking, for some) that takes place throughout the day, you can imagine the amount of food particles and residue that get left behind in your mouth; leave these untouched and you’ll soon have bacteria feeding on these particles, releasing acids, forming plaque, and causing tooth decayand other dental problems. This is why brushing after every meal is crucial.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that you should do only the bare minimum when it comes to your personal dental hygiene. Along with brushing (using a good toothpaste with fluoride), dentists have long recommended the use of dental floss to further ensure that all food particles and plaque are removed from hard-to-reach areas in your mouth. When you add flossing teeth to your daily routine, you lower your risk of developing tooth decay, plaque buildup and gum disease.

Is there more than one type of floss?

According to a dentist in Sterling Heights, there are two kinds of floss that you can choose from. Both are equally effective in removing food particles from between your teeth; you can simply choose to use the type that you prefer more.

The first is nylon floss, also known as multifilament floss. There are waxed and unwaxed varieties of nylon floss that you can buy; they can also come in several different flavors. As its name suggests, this type is comprised of several strands of nylon. When running this floss between teeth with tight contact points, there is a tendency for the floss to shred or tear.

The other type is the PTFE or monofilament floss. This is made with a single filament that easily slides between teeth; shredding is rare with this kind of floss. It is, however, more expensive than nylon floss.

How to Floss Properly

If you are unsure about how to go about it, this trusted Sterling Heights family dentist shares the correct technique for flossing your teeth:

Tear off about 18 inches of floss.

Wind most of the floss around the middle finger of each hand. Remember to leave about an inch or two of floss for working through your teeth.

Hold the floss between your thumbs and index fingers; keeping the floss taut, gently slide it up and down the spaces between your teeth.

Make a gentle curving motion with the floss around the base of each tooth. Make sure that the floss runs through the gum line.

As you transfer from one tooth to another, be sure to use clean sections of the floss.

Avoid forcing the floss through the spaces or snapping it because these can cause injuries like bruises and cuts to your gums.

When you’re done, move the floss away from your teeth using the same back and forth motion.

During your next routine visit, ask your Sterling Heights dentist if you are flossing teeth right and how you can further improve the health of your teeth and gums.

5 Vital Reasons to Brush and Floss

Adhering to a good oral health routine is a must in maintaining a nice smile and preventing bad breath. Likewise, it’s the most reliable method of preventing tooth decay, which is the leading cause of those terrible toothaches. However, there are other vital reasons to brush and floss; this one-two punch for oral health is instrumental in supporting overall health in ways that you may not be aware of, and it actually can save you a significant amount of money.

The Benefits of Regularly Brushing and Flossing

Let’s start off with the practical benefit of regularly brushing and flossing properly: You get to avoid expensive dental treatments. Tooth discoloration, cavities and other types of tooth damage that are rather costly to treat can be avoided. Just think about how much money you’ll save by never needing special treatments for these dental woes and frequent visits to the dental clinic.

A second reason to brush and floss, according to new studies, is that bacteria in the mouth that cause tooth decayand gum disease can increase a person’s risk of developing heart disease and suffering a stroke. Oral bacteria can attach to fatty build-up in the arteries and this can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Help Reduce the Possibility of Alzheimer’s Disease

A third reason is that there have been some pieces of evidence relating tooth loss (due to improper oral hygiene) before the age of 35 to Alzheimer’s disease. You can reduce the likelihood of experiencing this disease by regularly brushing and flossing your teeth to avoid tooth loss.

The fourth reason is that oral bacteria can weaken your immune system. A weak immune system automatically makes you prone to all kinds of diseases — both minor and more serious ones. One of the most common diseases that you can develop due to a weakened immune system is a cold, which can actually evolve into pneumonia. So control the proliferation of bacteria in your mouth by brushing after every meal and flossing at least once a day.

How Dental Care Can Affect Your Overall Health

And lastly, medical experts claim that sores in the mouth and cuts due to improper oral care will allow bacteria to enter your blood stream and cause infection in your heart, lungs and other vital organs. Also, if you often have inflammation in your mouth, this can create inflammation elsewhere, too. You may develop rheumatoid arthritis at a much younger age.

All these reasons reinforce the need for proper oral care. Therefore, if you want to be as healthy as you can possibly be, do not ever overlook the power of regular and correct brushing and flossing. Another critical aspect to remember is the importance of regular dental visits. Your Sterling Heights dentist can help ensure proper oral care. Schedule your routine dental visit today!